Students who have completed advanced work in physics before coming to Macalester can use that experience to get college credit and to place out of our introductory classes.

I. College Credit

The registrar currently administers the following rules regarding advanced work:

Exam

Score

Credit

AP Physics C: Mechanics

5

4

Physics 226

Student may earn credit for PHYS-226 on completion of a more advanced course.

AP Physics C: E&M

5

4

Physics 227

Student may earn credit for PHYS-227 on completion of a more advanced course.

AP Physics B

any

(not automatic)

Physics IB (H)

5, 6, 7

8 credits of PHYS194 (College Physics)

A-levels (advanced exam)

8 credits of PHYS194 (College Physics)

II. Placement

The department may recognize advanced work for placement purposes even if no college credit is awarded. In practice, this amounts to waiving prerequisites for advanced courses. Placement decisions are made on an individual basis by the faculty member teaching the advanced course, in consultation with the chair.